American Foxhound Complete Profile

Key Facts:

Size: Large
Height: 53 - 64 cm (21 - 25 inches)
Weight: 30 - 34 kg (65 - 75 lb)
Life Span: 12 years
Grooming: Minimal
Exercise: Demanding
Feeding: Demanding
Temperament: Active & eager
Country of Origin: United States
AKC Group: Hound

Temperament:
The American Foxhound is affectionate, eager, active, energetic and brave. American Foxhounds generally get along well with children and other dogs but are likely to chase any non-canine pets with their natural hunting instincts. American Foxhounds vary widely with how they treat strangers, some are overly protective while others happily greet all visitors. It is important to remember that this breed is a natural pack-hunting hound and is not always an ideal family companion. American Foxhounds tend to be difficult to house train and are most suited for active families or those who enjoy hunting.

Grooming:
Grooming is simple and easy with this short-coated breed. American Foxhounds are average shedders and should be brushed and combed occasionally to keep the coat in good condition.

Exercise:
The American Foxhound needs a substantial amount of daily exercise. If this breeds exercise needs are not met then they can become restless and destructive. American Foxhounds should be kept on a lead when out walking as they are likely to run off if they pick up an interesting scent. They tend to be reasonably active indoors and are not suited for urban living. Ideally American Foxhounds would have the opportunity to hunt or track with their owner.

History:
The Foxhound evolved from English hounds that were brought to America in 1650. The cross-breeding of the English and French Hounds helped produce today's lean and fast American Foxhound. These dogs have an excellent nose and worked as efficient and untiring hunters of wild animals. The American Foxhound is still primarily a hunting and field trial dog (in packs and alone), though they have had some success as a companion dog. Its talents are hunting, tracking, watchdogging and agility.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Alert, agile and lean.
Colour: All colours are accepted.
Coat: Close, hard and of medium length.
Tail: Set moderately high and is carried gaily with a slight curve (should not be forward over the back).
Ears: Set low, hanging close to the cheek and fairly broad at the base with rounded tips.
Body: The back is moderately long and muscular and the broad loins are slightly arched. The chest is deep and narrow and the well sprung ribs extend well back. The shoulders are muscular and sloping.

Additional Comments:

The American Foxhound is taller and lighter boned than the English Foxhound.
The American Foxhound was not bred to be a family companion, but if they are well socialized during puppyhood they can adapt to family life.

Related Information of Interest:

3 Simple Steps For A Healthier Dog
We all want what is best for our pet. Yet sometimes because of your hectic schedules, we tend to put our dog’s care at the bottom of the list or it just becomes a habit of chores we perform every day without giving it much thought. We stumble out of bed in the morning, let the dog out, fill the water bowl, dump some food in the dish and go on with our daily routine. Let’s face it this can get very boring for you and especially for your dog.

In order to maintain your dog’s health there are really only three simple steps you need to follow:
1.A good diet
2.Plenty of fresh water
3.Exercise

A good diet is essential to your dog’s health. Be careful what you buy! Read the ingredients label not just the name of the dog food. An all natural dog food is what you should be looking for, not one that contains filler and by-products. Remember you get what you pay for. Although an all natural dog food may be more expensive, studies have shown that your dog will in almost all cases eat more of the “bargain brand” than the all natural, nutritious dog food. The “bargain brands” will pass through your dog more quickly because they do not contain as much of the daily nutrients your dog requires. This leads to your dog being hungrier more often and thereby eating more. Your dog will retain more of the nutrients contained in the all natural food which means they will be less hungry, have healthier coats, more energy and better overall health.

Give your dog plenty of fresh water. Change it as often as you can. A good rule to follow is that every time you get yourself something to drink, add new water to your dog’s bowl.

Exercise your dog daily. This is good for you also. Take long walks, throw a ball or stick around the backyard or park. Remember your dog’s cardiovascular system, heart and muscles need exercise just like yours.

About the Author

Jim De Fazio is the successful webmaster of www.natural-pet-supplies.com. A site that offers all natural food and supplies for your dog or cat.

A Good Tip For Dogs With Itchy Skin
Now that summer is in full swing, many dogs are experiencing dry skin and excessive itchiness. I know that my dog, "Forbes," certainly has been! Of course, the first thing you'll want to rule out is fleas. But barring fleas, I've found that the best way to alleviate itching is to:

Splash approximately 2 Tablespoons of either vegetable oil or canola oil in your dog's food.
The additional fat will give your dog's coat a soft, shiny look and will help alleviate dry skin and itching.
You can also try an over-the-counter product you can get at most pet stores called, "Lipiderm," which works pretty much the same, but costs a bit more.
Something else you might try: One of my newsletter subscribers writes, "Best thing for itchy skin is lemons. Slice a couple of lemons in a litre of water and boil it. Let it cool down for a day then you can spray it on. Works wonders and is cheap."

About the Author

Author, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!“ which you can read more about at:
tinyurl.com/4efaq

Body Language Before Dog Bites
Dear Adam:

After catching up on doggy email, I've noticed your reference to submissive posture. Your book helped more than a professional trainer I hired for my adopted Golden. We went through biting and dominance issues. The problem I am having now is I still do not trust him 100%. When he bit there really wasn't any sign it was coming (that I noticed). Even now, the only sign that he doesn't like something is a lowered head and sometimes a low growl (the groomer told me this). This dog growls sometimes when he is happy. It is almost like someone taught him not to make any other noise in doors. Outside he will bark. I guess the big question is how do you read a dog's face, body, etc.?

Thanks,
Mark.

Dear Mark:

It's a tough situation you've got. You've really got to just pay close attention to the dog at any time you suspect she may display the aggression. The most common indicators that I used when working with clients who had aggressive dogs was to watch:

1. The mouth. A dog will always pull has mouth closed tight just before he bites.

2. Body language. The dog's body language will get stiff and still just before he bites. Especially watch the stillness. It's very subtle, but at the same time very noticeable once you train your eye to look for it.

There are other things that you could look for depending on the dog and the type of aggression. However, you need to recognize that there are ALWAYS cues... it's just a matter of whether we are quick enough (or aware enough) to catch them.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): tinyurl.com/4efaq
Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!

About the Author

Author, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!“ which you can read more about at:
tinyurl.com/4efaq